WITH his success in different comedy outings, some say Zanjoe Marudo is the next Vic Sotto, but I say that Zanjoe is in a league of his own. Among his generation of actors, Zanjoe is a successful leading man. He crosses boundaries from drama to romance to comedy. Men, women and gays of all ages admire this hunk, who has become a staple in TV and films. My friend Roberta wants to marry Zanjoe. Her older spinster cousin Frieda says Zanjoe is like the son she didn’t know she had and would want to cuddle him forever.
I think Zanjoe’s secret is that he just goes with flow. He is charming without even trying. He can be attractive, detached, wily, lovable, teasing and, sometimes, snobbish. He is an enigma. Just when you think you know Zanjoe, you discover that you know nothing. Zanjoe fits the movie-star type. He is literally tall, dark and handsome. No wonder he is a favorite of Star Cinema’s Skylight Films, putting him in the forefront of a lot of their movies.
But, this time, Zanjoe will be tested as a primetime TV actor when he headlines Dream Dad on ABS-CBN. While he has had successful pairings on TV with other female stars, like Angelica Panganiban, Pokwang and even his real-life girlfriend Bea Alonzo, Zanjoe and his bankability will be tested anew in Dream Dad as he is paired with child actor Janna Agoncillo.
Starting November 24, Dream Dad will air after TV Patrol. The primetime series will revolve around the story of its two main characters—Baste (Zanjoe), a hot bachelor, who is trying to mend his broken heart by focusing on his family’s welfare; and Baby (Jana), a young orphan, who is searching for a family that will love and fully accept her. How will the lives of Baste and Baby change when their paths cross?
Joining Zanjoe and Jana in Dream Dad are Maxene Magalona and Beauty Gonzales, along with Yen Santos, Ana Feleo, Katya Santos, Ketchup Eusebio and Ariel Ureta. It is under the direction of Jeffrey Jeturian.
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TOP comedian Allan K and singing diva Ima Castro will make a much-awaited comeback in Casino Filipino with a series of shows, titled Christmas Fever in November. Allan K, a mainstay of the top-rating, long-running noontime variety show Eat…Bulaga! on GMA, and a popular stand-up comedian, guarantees to make his audience roll in laughter as he combines forces with the hilarious tandem of AJ and Le Chaz. They will be at Casino Filipino Ronquillo Satellite on November 20, Casino Filipino Olongapo on November 21, and Casino Filipino Tagaytay on November 26.
“Kung naaliw sila sa mga ipinakita ko noon, siguradong mas maaaliw sila sa mga gagawin namin sa darating na shows ko sa Casino Filipino,” Allan K said. “Pinaghandaan ko ito ng husto kaya’t tiyak na hanggang sa pagtulog nila ay may maiiwang ngiti sa kanilang mga labi. Riot ito.”
Ima Castro, meanwhile, will again display the world-class vocal chops that landed her a spot in the international stage via the Tony-winning mega-musical Miss Saigon. She performs with the all-male Pagcor homegrown artists K Menn at Casino Filipino Tagaytay on November 22.
K Menn returns onstage at Casino Filipino Angeles on November 28 with the all-female singing group Pretty Young Thing.
“It’s been quite a long while since I last performed at Casino Filipino, so I’m so excited about my upcoming gigs with them. Doing live performances before the casino crowd always gives me a different kind of high. Nakakahawa ang energy nila,” she said.
For more information on Christmas Fever in November and other entertainment offerings of Casino Filipino, call 708-2046 or 526-0337, local 2401 to 04.